LAURENCE BOURNE FROM BASELIDON SENTENCED TO SIX YEARS FOR CHILD SEX OFFENSES

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Basildon, Laurence Bourne, a man with a troubling history of child sexual offenses, was sentenced to six years in prison for a series of heinous crimes committed against a young victim. The sentencing took place at Basildon Crown Court, where the court heard how Bourne, aged 68 and residing at Brackendale Court in Basildon, was convicted of seven counts of indecent assault involving a child under the age of 13.

These offenses occurred over a period spanning from 1989 to 1992, a time when the victim was just a child. It was only in April 2019 that the victim, demonstrating remarkable courage, reported the abuse to the police, leading to Bourne’s arrest in June of the same year. The investigation was conducted by Essex Police’s Quest team, a specialized unit tasked with handling sexual crimes, which meticulously pieced together the evidence that ultimately led to his conviction.

During the court proceedings, Bourne appeared via video link from prison, showing little to no emotion as the devastating impact of his actions was detailed through a victim impact statement. The victim, who chose to speak openly about the long-lasting effects of the abuse, described suffering from depression and severe anxiety since reporting the crimes. They expressed feelings of shame and anger, emphasizing their need for closure and relief from the emotional turmoil caused by the offenses.

In their statement, the victim conveyed the profound distress and ongoing mental health struggles they have endured, including difficulty sleeping and a pervasive sense of insecurity, even within their own home. They stated, “I have suffered on and off with depression. Since reporting it I have suffered severe anxiety. I had feelings of shame and anger and feel I needed to be relieved and have closure.”

During the sentencing hearing, the defense, represented by Daniel O’Malley, highlighted the support Bourne still has from friends and family. O’Malley noted that many individuals who knew Bourne were “astounded” by the allegations and emphasized that the man before the court was not the same person described during the trial. He described Bourne as someone who had previously been very willing to help others and was known for his generosity.

However, Judge Samantha Cohen was unequivocal in her remarks. She addressed Bourne directly, stating, “Perhaps you mistook their silence for acquiescence. You were wrong. You are responsible for these offenses.” The judge praised the victim for their bravery in reporting the crimes and giving evidence, saying, “She found the strength to report it and then give evidence about the offences. She should be very proud of herself.”

Ultimately, the court sentenced Laurence Bourne to six years in prison, with an additional year on license, reflecting the severity of his crimes and the impact on his victim. The case underscores the importance of justice and the courage required to confront and report such traumatic experiences, especially when they involve trusted individuals within the community of Basildon.